KCCA DISTRIBUTES NAADS INPUTS TO FARMERS IN KAWEMPE AND MAKINDYE

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has started the distribution of National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) inputs to farmers in the Makindye and Kawempe Divisions.

Held at the Makindye Division Headquarters on July 31st and at Mpererwe Primary School on August 7th, the distribution exercise saw a total of 117,600-day-old broiler chicks, 3,050-day-old layer chicks, 1,200-day-old Kuroiler chicks, and 4,863 bags of poultry feeds being allocated to farmers in the two divisions.

The event marked a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and empowering local communities.

The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajat Minsa Kabanda, lauded the government and President Museveni for their unwavering support to uplift the livelihoods of the less privileged.

In her address, she emphasized the need to prioritize value addition and urged farmers to refrain from selling the distributed inputs.

"We are giving you these inputs to elevate you to another level and enhance your income," Minister Kabanda asserted. She underscored that diverting these resources for personal gain would result in legal consequences.

Minister Kabanda concluded the event by urging farmers to embrace the NAADS program and emulate success stories from nations like Korea and Japan, where value addition has revolutionized the agricultural landscape.

She emphasized that unity and collective effort were essential for achieving sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Shiela Birungi, Director of Gender Community Services and Production at KCCA, highlighted the multifaceted approach of the NAADS program.

Over the years, the initiative has equipped farmers with value addition machinery, provided training on modern agricultural practices, and introduced urban farming concepts.

The distribution event, attended by political leaders at various levels, witnessed the presence of Deputy Resident City Commissioner Sulaiman Walugembe, adding to its significance.

Dr. Robinson Kabanda, NAADS Coordinator at KCCA, reported on the success of the program, revealing that over 18,000 people have benefited since its inception in 2011.

He commended the recipients of the inputs and acknowledged their commitment to the agricultural sector.

Notably, 706 community members, selected through a rigorous process and verification, received specialized training to effectively manage the poultry inputs.

Among the beneficiaries was Sarah Namayingo of Kikaya, who expressed gratitude for the government's support. "I am now a beneficiary with 2,000 Kuroiler chickens," she stated, underscoring the positive impact of the program on her farming venture.

The NAADS program, which has been active in Kampala since 2011, continues to serve as a catalyst for agricultural growth and poverty reduction, empowering local farmers to contribute to the nation's progress.​